James Blunt joins Alex Warren for orchestral 'Ordinary' at BRITs 2026

At the 2026 BRIT Awards in Manchester, alex warren performed an orchestral version of 'Ordinary' with James Blunt on piano — a moment that followed the song's high-profile nominations and its standout commercial run in 2025.

Alex Warren and James Blunt on the Co-op Live Arena stage

Alex Warren took the BRITs stage at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on Saturday night (February 28) to play a stirring, orchestral rendition of 'Ordinary'. James Blunt joined him on piano, and the performance was supported by a lush string section that framed the arranged version later in the show.

'Ordinary' nominated for International Song of the Year but beaten by 'APT'

The track had been nominated for International Song of the Year but lost out to ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ 'APT'. The International Song of the Year award went to ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ 'APT', which beat out several major hits including 'Ordinary'.

Warren's remarks ahead of his BRITs performance

Ahead of the performance, alex warren said: “The UK is where ‘Ordinary’ first broke and changed my life last year. I am so grateful for all the love from my fans there, and I can’t wait to bring a big performance to the BRITs’ stage for the very first time. ” That message framed his appearance before he and Blunt took to the stage.

'Ordinary' dominated British radio and streaming in 2025

'Ordinary' was the most played song on British radio in 2025 and also became the longest-running UK Number One by a US artist in this decade so far. It was revealed at the end of 2025 that 'Ordinary' had been the most-streamed song of the 2020s over the course of the year, clocking up around 750 million streams.

Other highlights and tributes at the BRITs

Olivia Dean emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home four gongs including Artist, Album and Song of the Year, with Dean and Sam Fender’s 'Rein Me In' winning Song of the Year. Robbie Williams led an all-star version of Ozzy Osbourne’s 'No More Tears' as the late Black Sabbath frontman was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Tim Burgess paid tribute to The Stone Roses’ Mani.

Mark Ronson, the Outstanding Contribution to Music winner, was joined for a career-spanning medley by Dua Lopa and Ghostface Killah. Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell used her speech to call for further support for the UK’s grassroots music venues. Geese’s Max Bassin attacked ICE and called for a free Palestine during his speech. Rosalía was joined by surprise guest Björk for a dazzling performance of 'Berghain'.